Sprinkler



oct. 28, 1930. F. E, ROACH 1,779,983

' SPRINKLER Filed March 9, 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet '1 J05 J02 J00 J07 Patented Oct. 28, 1930 V UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

. I FINIS E. ROACH, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS SPRINKLER Application filed March 9, 1927. Serial No. 173,803.

.My invention'relates to improvements in sprinklers, being more particularly concerned with that type of sprinkler having a rotating sprinkler head which is impelled by the reaction of the liquid issuing from the nozzles of the sprinkler head.

()neof the objects of my invention is the provision of a novel retarding and controlling unit forsprinklers of the type above mentioned. 7

Another object of my invention is the provision of such a sprinkler having means for retarding the same and clutch means to prevent the destruction of the control mechanism by the application of external force.

'Another object of my invention is the provision of a sprinkler of the class described which is capable'of eiiiciently and uniformly sprinkling a much larger area than that heretofore served by a single sprinkler.

Another object of my inventionis the provision of a novel sprinkler head unit comprising an assembly ofparts and mechanism permanently held in assembled relation by a close frictional fit between said parts, and

having a closed chamber about said mechanism to be filled with lubricant. Another object of my invention is the provision of a sprinkler which is-cheaply manufactured and permanently assembled in such manner as to make the same tamper proof.

Other objects and advantages of my invention will appear more fully from the following description and from the accompanying drawings in which similar characters of reference indicate similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is an elevational cross-sectional view taken on a medial vertical plane through my sprinkler. Fig. 2 is a detailed elevational cross-sectional. view taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the sprinkler head and casing of my invention.

Fig.4 is a cross-sectional plan view taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. ,1.

Fig. 5 is across-sectional plan view taken on the line 55 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a view in perspective of the clutch mechanism employed in my sprinkler.

Referring to Fig. 1, 10 indicates in its entirety my controlling and retarding device for the rotating sprinkler head 11 which is v rotatably mounted in the hollow cover plate 12., he casing 13 consists of a cast metal member, preferably of brass, or some other non-corrosive metal of similar properties, having a substantially cylindrical shape open at each end as at 14k and 15 and provided with a third aperture 16 at the top which is bounded by the flat flange 17 of substany tial thickness to permit the insertion of so as to form an impelling current within the casing.

The nipple 18 may be provided with stand ard piping threads 28 to receive the end of a stand-pipe 24 which may supply water or other liquid to the sprinkler and also support the same. In the case of the use of the sprinkler for lawns, the stand-pipe 2a is preferably quite short, but if it is desiredto sprinkle a larger area or touse the sprinkler for trees, the stand-pipe 24 may be made of corresponding length to support the sprinkler at the height desired.

The casing 13 terminates at each end inopenings 14; and 15, and while the-casing may be of any exterior shape, it is preferably formed with a substantially cylindrical interior to avoid the formation of eddy currents, and in order to save material the exterior surface is also preferably made cylin drical. The openings 14 and 15 may be provided with annular shoulders 25 and 26, and these openings are closed by theend plates 27 and 28. The end plates-27 and 28 i are centrally bored as at 29 and 30 to receive a shaft 31, which pivotally supports a sleeve 32, provided with a worm The end plates 27 and 28 may be stan'iped from the sheet metal. to the conformation shown, having a plurality of concentric rings 34 and 35, about a central cupped portion 36 for the pin-pose of providing additional space for the water wheel hubs and giving the end plates increased rigidity. In order to permanently assemble my casing in such manner that it is tamper proof, I prefer to provide end plates 27 and 28 having a very close lit in the apertures 14 and 15 so that the plates will be retained frictionally within the walls 37 and 38 of the casing 13.

'By' employing the corrugated end plates as shown, the end plates may even be made larger, by a slight amount, than the apertures into which they are pressed, and when the end plates are pressed into the apertures 14 and 15 by means of hydraulic presses or otherwise, their final position will be determined by the shoulders 25 and 26 against which the end plates lie in the casing 13.

The sleeve 33 may be provided with a pair of turned down portions 37, one at each end, terminating in the annular shoulders 38. The water wheels 21 and 22 comprise a central hub 39 and a plurality of radially extending arms 40, terminating in substantially fiat curved blades 41. In order to clear the worm gear 42, further to be described, the blades are cut away toward the center of the wheel as at 43, leaving the outer flattened and curved portion 41 disposed in the path of the water currents issuing from the ports 19 and 20.

In order to fix the water wheels 21 and 22 upon the sleeve 32, the apertures in the hubs are preferably made a very close fit upon the reduced portions 37 of the sleeve 32, and the reduced portions 37 may be slightly tapered, if so desired. The method of assembly of the parts so far described isas follows.

- The water wheels 21 and have their hubs forcibly pressed upon the ends of the sleeve 32 by a hydraulic press. or otherwise, and one of the end plates 28 having been pressed into position within the casing 13. the shaft 31, sleeve and water wheels 21 and 22 are assembled within the casing. after which the other end plate 27 may be pressed into place and the nuts 4-4 may be threaded upon the ends of the shaft 31 to hold the shaft in fixed relation to the casing, to prevent the end plates from swelling, and otherwise to strengthen the ensemble.

The sprinkler head 12 comprises a substantially cup shaped cover member 45, having a central aperture 46 and an outwardly extending flange 47 adapted .to lit upon the flange 17 of the casing 13. In order to provide a water tight joint, the flange 17 may be provided with an annular groove 48 by means of a plurality of screw bolts 51.,

or other convenient fastening means.

The cover plate 45 18 provided upon its interior with an annular shoulder 52 and an enlarged portion 53 which is accurately inachined to receive the exterior edge of a supporting plate 54 and form a close frictional lit therewith. The supporting plate 54 has a centrally flanged aperture 55 having an annular sboulder56, and the aperture 55 isliued with a bushing 57 of brass, or other bearing, metal, which may be of the shape shown and pressed into place within the aperture 55 by a hydraulic press. The final position of the caring 57 is determined by the shoulder 56 which is adapted to resist the thrust of the water pressure upon the sprinkler head, and the bearing 57 isaligned with a. similar hearing 58 which may be pressed into the aperture 46 by the same method to form a close frictional fit. It will he observed that the bearing 58 need have no retaining shoulder as it does not resist the thrust of the water pressure.

The supporting plate 54 is provided with a downwardly extending cylindrical boss 59, which may be provided at the upper end with a bearing 60 of babbitt or other metal pressed into close frictional fit by .a hydraulic press, and at its lower extremity with a bearing 61 of the same metal, having an outwardly extending shoulder 62 to bear against the end of the boss 59 and resist the thrust of the water pressure. p The supporting plate 54 may be cast from metal similar to the casing 13 and the other parts, having its exterior edge machined to form a close frictional fit with the edge ofthe aperture 53, the plate being preferably forced home against the shoulder 52 by a hydraulic press.

The sprinkler head 11 comprises a cast metal tubular body of substantially T shape, having a downwardly extending tubular stem 63 and a plurality of outwardly extending tubular arms 64 and65 communicating therewith. The tubular arms 64 and 65 are bent upward at a slight angle, preferably about 30 degrees, in order to provide suflicien't elevation to throw the streams to the distance desired, and in order to provide means to rotate the sprinkler head 11, the arms 64 and p The stem 63 of the sprinkler head 11 may I be turned down at its lower end as at 66 forminga shoulder 68, and it may also be provided with a reduced threaded portion 67 at the extreme lower end. The plate 89 coni prises a circular metal plate having a central bore which is adapted to form a close frictional fit with the portion 66 of the'stem 63, be 'ing pressed into place as previously de 'with gear teeth and an upwardly extending flange 72. The flange 72 is adapted to form a closefrictional fit with the exterior edge of 7 he plate 69 so that both the platez69 and the internal gear 70 are fixed upon the stem 63 and adapted to rotate therewith.

The stem 63 is journalled in the bearings 57 and 58, -and'when not .under water pressure may be'supported upon the bearing 58 by the shoulder 73 at the upper end of the stem 63. The aperture 55 in the plate 53 is not completely filled by the bearing 57, but

- leaves agroove 74 of substantially rectangular cross SGClZlOIl'WlllCll is adapted to I'ECGlVG' a leather washer 75, and the stem 63 is pro- 7 vided with a threaded nut 76 having a kerf 77 for insertion of a turning tool. he'nut- :"6 may be screwed t1ghtly againstthe shoulder 7 8 and whenthe casing 13 is filled witl waterunr er pressure,,the thrust of the water upon the sprinkler head 11, will cause the nut 76 to bear against the washer 7 5, compressing the same to form a substantially water tight 'joint between the rotatable sprinkler head 11 and the supporting plate 54.

ports in its bearings 60 and 61 a shaft 82 having a pinion. '83 fixed to its upper end to rotate with said shaft, and the p1n1on 83 may also be pressed upon the shaft- 82 in such manner that the close frictional fit between these parts substantially lreys them together. The pinion 83 has its teeth in engagement with the internal gear 70 so that when the sprinkler lead 11 is actuated by the water issuing therefrom, the shaft 82 is also rotated at a reduced speed.

The bearing 62- is formed with a cup like aperture 84 in its lower side which is adapted to receive a compressible washer 85 of leather or thelike, and the shaft 82 may be turned down as at 86 to form an annular shoulder 87. The sleeve 88 comprises a metal member having a smooth cylindricalsurface 89 andv an annular shoulder 90. The annular shoulder 90 is adapted to bear against the washer 85 when the interior of the casing 13 1s filled gether.

with liquid under pressure, thereby forming a substantially water tight oint about the shaft 82, and the shoulder 90 is likewise adapted to limit the upward movement of the worm gear 42 which comprises a sheet metal plate which" is provided with teeth 91 adapted to mesh with'the worm 33 upon the sleeve 32. The worm gear 42 has a central bore 92 which is adaptedlto freely rotate upon the cylindrical surface 89 of the sleeve 88.

The sleeve 88 may also be provided at its lower end with a reduced portion 93 shown in Fig. 1 as a groove, for the reason that the clutch spring or has been placed upon the reduced portion 93 and riveted thereon. The

silient arms 96. The arms 96 terminate in substantially fiat shoes 97 slightly offset from the balance of the arm as at 98 in such manner that the shoes 97 of the clutch spring are adapted tobear resiliently against the lower surface of the worm gear 42, the shoes 97 providing the required area of frictional. surface necessary to resist the torque placed upon the shaft 82 by the rotating sprinkler head 11. The sleeve 85 may be pressed upon the reduced portion 88 of the shaft 82 against the shoulder 8'? with a very close frictional fit so that these parts are substantially keyed to- The tubular arms 64 and 65 of the sprinkler head may be provided with internally threaded nipples 99 and 100, the length of the arms being determined by the type of nozzle which it-is desired to employ in. the arm. In the embodiment shown, the arm 64 is shorter, being provided with a nozzle 101 threaded in the nipple 99, the nozzle 101 having its interior 102 formed according to the best nozzle practice, so that it is adapted to throw a stream of water to a considerabledistance.

The tubular arm 65 is likewise provided with a shortnozzle 103 threaded into the nipple 100, and the nozzle 103 may be of cylindrical shape internally as at 104, terminating in a conical reducing portion 105 and a cylin- 'drical bore 106 so that the bore 106 throws a stream to a lesser distance than the nozzle 101 with a slightly greater spreading effect.

The nozzle 103 may also have a slot cut in the observed that by providing arms of different length upon the sprinkler head, a balanced structure having nozzles of substantially ,1

equal length and equal reactive force may be provided.

The method of assembly of my sprinkler head unit is as follows. The cover plate 12 may be provided with a bearing 46 and the supporting plate 54 with the bearings 57, and 61, all of which may be pressed into place as previously described. The shaft 82 may be assembled with its pinion 83, then journalled in the bearings 60 and 61, after which the washer 85 may be put in place and the sleeve 88, which has been previously assembled with the clutch plate 94, may be pressed upon the end 86 of the shaft 82. It will be obvious that the order of assembly of some of these parts may be varied to suit the convenience of the manufacturer.

The stem 63 having been inserted in its bearing 58, the plate 69 and internal gear 70 are mounted thereon, after which the supporting plate 54 may be forced into the aperture 53 in the cover plate 12. It will thus be observed that when the sprinkler head unit is assembled as described, it cannot be disassembled by means of ordinary tools, and the mechanism is, therefore, tamper proof. The

sprinkler head unit may be placed, upon the flanged opening 17 of the casing 13, the worm gear 42 meshing with the worm 33 between the water wheels 21 and 22, and these parts may be held in assembled relation by the screws 51 passing through the flanges 47 upon the cover plate 12.

The operation of my sprinkler is as follows. \Vhen the water is turned on at a source leading to the standpipe 24, the water passes through the ports 19 and 20 filling the casing 13, and soon thereafter begins to issue from the nozzles 101 and 103. The water from the ports 19 and 20 impinging upon the blades 41 of the water wheels tends to actuate the water wheels in a counter-clockwise direction, as shown in Figure 1, and to rotate the water wheels at a steady rate depending on the rate of consumption of the water. The means of propulsion for my sprinkler head. however, consists of the backwardlv turned nozzles 101 and 103 against which the water reacts as it issues therefrom, and tends to rotate the sprinkler'head. in a clockwise direction, as shown in Figure 3.

The sprinkler head 11 carries with it the internal gear 70 which actuates the pinion 83, shaft 82, clutch spring 94 and worm gear 42 due to the friction between theclutch spring and the worm gear. It will be observed, however, that the mechanism is not capable of transmitting motion from the worm gear 42 to the worm 33, it being a characteristicof theusual type of worm and worm gear that this mechanism will only transmit motion in one direction. The sprinkler head 11, therefore, cannot rotate unless the water wheels and worm 33 are also in motion, and the worm 33 thus acts after the manner of an escapement mechanism which permits rotation of the worm gear 42 only at the rate at which the water wheels are moving. It results, therefore, that the sprinkler head 11 has its rotation controlled and retarded by the water wheels and operative connecting mechanism in such manner that the sprinkler head may be made to rotate at any desired speed within a very wide range of speeds.

It will also be observed that if the sprinkler head 11 is turned by hand by any person. the sprinkler head will actuate the internal gear 70, pinion 83, shaft 82 and clutch spring 9-4, but the clutch spring is adapted to slide over the surface of the worm gear 42 thereby permitting relative motion between these parts. As the worm gear 42 and worm 33 are not capable of transmitting reverse motion, the turning of the sprinkler head by band would otherwise irreparably damage the mechanism, and by means of the clutch the device is made incapable of being injured by the application of external rotative force.

It will thus be observed that I have invented a sprinkler which is adapted to be actuated by the reactive force of the water issuing from the nozzles and which includes means for retarding and controlling the rotation of the sprinkler head, and clutch means interposed between these elements. The sprinkler head shown may be replaced by other sprinkler head units having more or less nozzle arms, or having other characteristics, provided the sprinkler heads are adapted to be used with the controlling mechanism shown.

While I have illustrated and described a specific embodiment of my invention, many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, and I do not wish to be limited to the precise details of construction set forth, but desire to avail myself of all changes within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In a sprinkler, the combination of supporting means, with movable sprinkling means impelled by the reaction of the fluid issuing therefrom. retarding means controlled by the flow of fluid through said sprinkling means, and clutch means disposed between said sprinkling means and said retarding means adapted to slip when said sprinkling means is moved at a greater rate than said retarding means.

2. In a sprinkler, the combination of supporting means, with sprinkling means rotataly supported thereon and actuated by the reaction of fluid issuing therefrom, screw means operatively connected to said sprinkling means, fluid impelled means connected with said screw means to impart rotation thereto, and friction clutch means interposed in the connection between said sprinkling means and said screw means 3. In a sprinkler, the combination of a casing having an upper flanged opening, a hollow cover closing said opening, a sprinkler head rotatably supported in said cover, mechanism connected with said sprinkler head and carried within said cover, and closing means for said cover having a close frictional'fit therewith to retain the same in assembled relation. 7

l. In a sprinkler, a controlling unit comprising an open casing having an attaching flange for a sprinkler head and a nozzle in its wall, closing means for said casing com-' prising a plurality of pressed metal plates, each having a close frictional fit within the walls on said casing to retain the same in assembled relation, a shaft supported by said plates, a sleeve rotatably mountedon said shaft andrconfined by said plates, and a wheel having a plurality of radial vanes supported on said sleeve by a hub having a close frictional fit withsaid sleeve.

5. In a sprinkler, a sprinkler head unit comprising a hollow flanged cover having a supporting plate to close the same and a sprinkler head journalled therein, a downwardly projecting boss on said supporting plate for journa'lling a shaft, a shaft having a pinion on the same and an internal gear on: said sprinkler head to engage said pinion.

6. In a sprinkler,

' comprising a hollow flanged cover having a supporting plate to close the same and a sprinkler head ournalled therein, a clownwardl Y ro'ectin boss on said su ortin plate for journalling a shaft, a shaft having a pinion on the same and an internal gear on said sprinkler head to engage said pinion, said internal gear comprising a sheet; metal plate having a close frictional fit with said sprinkler head, and an internally toothed platehaving an extending flange in close frictional fit with said sheet metal plate.

7. In a sprinkler head unit, a flanged cover having a sprinkler head journalled therein, a shaft rotat'ably carried by said cover and having operative mechanical connections with said sprinkler head, a worm gear rotatably mounted on said shaft,'and a friction spring fired on saidshaft and having a plurality of points of frictional engagement with said worm gear; t p

8. In a sprinkler head unit, a flanged cover having a sprinkler head journalled therein,

'a shaft rotatably' carried by said cover and having operative mechanical connections with 7 said sprinkler head, a worm gear rotatably mounted on said shaft,,a friction spring fixed on said shaft and having a plurality'of points a sprinkler head unit" of frictional engagement with said worm gear, a casing adapted to beclosed by said cover, a plurality of wheels having radially extending vanes rotatably mounted in saidcasing, and a worm connected with said wheels and engaging said worm gear.

9. In a sprinkler head, the combination of a cup-shaped cover member havinga bore centrally located therein, a supporting plate closing .said cup-shaped cover and forced therein with a close frictional fit, said supporting plate having a bore aligned with said first-mentioned bore, a nozzle fitting having its stem rotatably supported in said bores, a 't'mpressible washer about said stem against the outer side of said supporting plate, a thrust bearing supported. bysaid stem against said washer, a gear supporting plate pressed upon the. stem of said nozzle i 10. In a sprinkler, the combination of a metal casing member of substantially cylindrical forin' having open ends and recessed at 7 its ends to form an annular shoulder in each end and walls extending outward from said shoulders, dlshed metal plates having aclose frictional fit against said walls, and a'shaft extendingtransversely of said plates and provided with means for reinforcing said plates against outward pressur 11. Ina sprinkler, the combination of a metal casing member of substantially ,cylin drioal form having open ends and recessed at its endsto form an annular shoulder in each end with walls extending outwarn from said shoulders, dished metal plates having a close frictional fit against said walls, a shaft carried by said plates andreinforcing said plates against outward pressure, a sleeve carried by said shaft, and a worm carriedby said sleeve.

l 13.; A controlling unit for a sprinkler, comprising an openendedcasing having annular shoulders at each end,a closure for each end of said casing comprising an outwardly dished plate having a close fit'within' said casing, and a centrally located shaft carried means, and a clutch interposed between said by said plates and reinforcing said plates one-way mechanism and said actuating against outward ressure. means.

I 14. In a sprinkler, a sprinkler head unit In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe comprising a hollow flanged cover having my name this 2nd day of March, 1927. an aperture therein, a journal having a close FINIS E. ROACH. frictional fit in said aperture, a supporting plate having a. close frictional fit Within said cover, an aligned journal supported by said plate, a sprinkler head having a stem rotatably mounted in said journals, and an internally toothed ear carried by said stem.

15. In a sprinkler, a sprinkler head unit comprising a hollow flanged cover having an aperture therein, a journal having a close frictional fit in said aperture, a supporting plate having a close frictional flt within said cover, an aligned journal supported by said plate, a sprinkler head having a stem rotatably mounted in said journals, an internally toothed gear carried by said stem, and means for introducing lubricant into said hollow cover.

16. In a sprinkler, the combination of a supporting means, with sprinkling means rotatably mounted thereon and actuated by the reaction of fluid issuing therefrom, with a one-way mechanism connected to said sprinkling means for retarding the same, means 30 actuated by fluid for actuating said one-way mechanism, and a clutch interposed between said one-way mechanism and said actuating means.

17. In a sprinkler, the combination of supporting means, with sprinkling means rotatably mounted thereon and actuated by the reaction of fluid issuing therefrom, with a one-way mechanism connected to said sprinkling means for retarding the same, means I actuated by fluid for actuating said one-way mechanism and a releasable connect-ion be tween said sprinkling means and said oneway mechanism.

18. In a sprinkler, a sprinkler head unit 7 45 comprising a hollow flanged cover having no an aperture therein, a journal having a close frictional fit in said aperture, a supporting plate having a close frictional fit within said cover, an aligned journal supported by said 50 cover, a sprinkler head having a stem ron5 tatably mounted in said journals, an internally toothed gear carried by said stem, a compressible washer about the inner end of said stem, and a thrust bearing on said stem 55 tocooperate with said washer.

19. In a sprinkler, the combination of supporting means with sprinkling means rotatably mounted thereon and actuated by the reaction of fluid issuing therefrom, with a, 60 one-way mechanism connected to said sprine kling means for retarding the same, actuating means actuated by the fluid for actuating said one-way mechanism, said actuating means being adapted to lag behind said mechanism 65 to control the movement of said sprinkling I 13 

